Mobile workstation having power system with removable battery configured for drop-in engagement therewith

ABSTRACT

A mobile workstation includes a frame having a wheeled base, a power system resident on the mobile workstation and a battery docking station having a holster which defines a guide. The mobile workstation further includes a removable battery assembly configured to dock with the battery docking station via engagement in the guide, and having a housing with a shape complementary to a shape of the guide and an external contour configured to mate with an internal contour of the guide.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to mobile workstations, andrelates more particularly to a mobile workstation having a power systemand a removable battery assembly configured for drop-in engagement withthe power system.

BACKGROUND

Mobile workstations are well known and widely used in a variety ofenvironments. A typical mobile workstation includes a frame mounted on awheeled base, and a work platform or the like mounted above the wheeledbase. A computer display may be mounted on or in proximity to the workplatform such that the mobile workstation can be transported about andcomputer-based activities performed at different locations. Hospitals,clinics and other institutions commonly use one or more fleets of mobileworkstations for administering patient care. For example, each floor ofa hospital may have a fleet comprising a plurality of mobileworkstations which are each available for use by one or more staffmembers. Certain of the mobile workstations of a given fleet may besubstantially identical for general use, while others may bepurpose-built or configured for more specific tasks. In a typicalhospital or clinic environment, mobile workstations may be equipped withdata gathering and/or data processing instruments such that facilitypersonnel can move a mobile workstation from room to room, monitoringpatient status, performing healthcare diagnostics or other activitiessuch as dispensing medication, refilling supplies, etc. The computersresident on each mobile workstation typically enable a range ofactivities. Using the resident computer, facility personnel can enterpatient-related data, check patient healthcare charts and medicationdosage, authorization and scheduling of various treatments, etc. Overthe years, a great many technological advances in the art of mobileworkstations have improved both patient care quality and healthcareadministration efficiency.

In decades past, mobile workstations consisted largely of vehicles fortransporting computers from one room in a healthcare facility toanother. A user typically moved the mobile workstation to a patient'sbedside, then entered relevant patient data, or referenced patient datastored on the computer resident on the mobile workstation whileperforming various tasks. Information from the mobile workstation couldthen be later uploaded directly or indirectly from the workstationcomputer to a central database of the facility. Mobile workstations thuscame to be used principally as satellite data gathering units orreference stations, with much of the processing and analysis of databeing performed at a central location.

In more recent years, diagnostic and/or monitoring equipment and otherperipheral devices have been mounted on and used in connection withmobile workstations, distributing some data processing among thedifferent units. A rise in the demands placed on computers resident onmobile workstations by native hospital or clinic applications, however,has limited the practicality of supporting peripheral devices withresident workstation computers.

One shortcoming of many earlier mobile workstations was the requirementthat they be plugged into a wall electrical outlet in a facility. It hasbecome common for many mobile workstations to include a rechargeablebattery carried thereon, so that connection to a wall outlet need onlytake place periodically for recharging. One consequence of usingrechargeable batteries, however, has been the downtime and inconveniencerequired to recharge workstation batteries at a wall outlet. Whilecertain rechargeable batteries can power a workstation for hours, theassociated workstation is still idled for the typically lengthyrecharging period. Thus, electrical cords are still needed at some pointduring a typical workstation's service cycle. Extra workstations mayalso be needed to ensure that a sufficient number are available for useby facility personnel at any given time, as certain workstations cantypically be expected to be idled for recharging.

Attempts have been made to overcome certain of the problems associatedwith rechargeable batteries, namely, the downtime required forrecharging. Designs have been proposed where a rechargeable battery maybe switched with a fresh battery rather than docking the workstation ata wall outlet. These proposals have seen little, if any commercialsuccess, for several reasons. First, conventional batteries tend to bequite heavy and unwieldy. It is thus difficult and in some instanceseven dangerous for facility personnel to attempt to remove aconventional, relatively heavy lead-acid battery, for example, andreplace it on a mobile workstation with a similarly heavy and unwieldylead-acid battery. A second problem is that the workstation must stilltypically be powered down during switching batteries. Many users haveconsidered these factors to render switchable battery systems moretrouble than they are worth.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a mobile workstation includes a frame having a base withan upper side, a lower side and a plurality of wheels mounted at thelower side, the frame further including a mount for a computerizeddevice at a location spaced from the base. The mobile work stationfurther includes a power system resident on the mobile workstation forsupplying power to a computerized device positioned on the mount, thepower system including a power bus and a battery docking station mountedto the frame at a location between the base and the mount andelectrically connected with the power bus. The battery docking stationfurther includes a holster having an open end and an opposite blind end,and defining a guide extending from the open end to the blind end whichincludes a shape and an internal contour. The mobile workstation furtherincludes a removable battery assembly configured to dock with thebattery docking station via engagement in the guide, and including ahousing having a shape which is complementary to the shape of the guideand an external contour configured to mate with the internal contour ofthe guide.

In another aspect, a method of using a mobile workstation having awheeled base, a frame coupled with the wheeled base and a computerizeddevice mounted to the frame includes a step of powering the computerizeddevice with a removable battery assembly docked with a battery dockingstation of a power system resident on the mobile workstation. The methodfurther includes the steps of decoupling the removable battery assemblyfrom the battery docking station, and docking a substitute batteryassembly with the battery docking station, including engaging thesubstitute battery assembly in a guide defined by a holster of thebattery docking station at a location between the wheeled base and thecomputerized device. The method still further includes a step ofpowering the computerized device of the mobile workstation with thesubstitute battery assembly.

In still another aspect, a power system for a mobile workstationincludes a power bus and a battery docking station configured to mountto a frame of the mobile workstation, electrically connected with thepower bus. The battery docking station further includes a holster havingan open end and an opposite blind end, and defining a guide extendingfrom the open end to the blind end which includes a shape and aninternal contour. The power system still further includes a removablebattery assembly configured to dock with the battery docking station viaengagement in the guide, and including a housing having a shape which iscomplementary to the shape of the guide and an external contourconfigured to mate with the internal contour of the guide. The powersystem still further includes a detector configured to detect userinteraction with the removable battery assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a system for gathering or processingdata in a healthcare facility, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a battery charger according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the battery charger of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary control process with abattery charger, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front view in elevation of a power supply unit according toone embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view also in elevation of the power supply unit of FIG.5;

FIG. 7 is an end view also in elevation of the power supply unit shownin FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the power supply unit shown in FIGS. 5-7;

FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of a mobile workstation according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 10 is an end view in perspective of a battery docking stationaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of a mobile workstation and power systemretrofit kit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a portion of a power system according toone embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a power system and controlsystem according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the power and controlsystems of FIG. 13 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of a mobile workstation according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a communications block diagram according to one embodiment;and

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a power source switching routine,according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a system 10 for use in gathering orprocessing data in a healthcare facility, and also amenable to otheruses, as further described herein. System 10 may include a fleet ofmobile workstations, including a first mobile workstation 12 a and asecond mobile workstation 12 b. System 10 might also include more thantwo mobile workstations, and embodiments are contemplated wherein manyworkstations will comprise the fleet of mobile workstations representedby workstations 12 a and 12 b in FIG. 1. For instance, one floor or wingof a hospital, clinic, etc., might include one mobile workstation foreach of a plurality of employees whom are each assigned to a set ofpatient rooms, totaling a dozen or more mobile workstations for eachfloor or wing. Workstations 12 a and 12 b may be substantially identicalin one embodiment, and therefore references herein to workstation 12 aor 12 b should be understood to similarly refer to correspondingfeatures of the other of workstations 12 a and 12 b. In otherembodiments, workstations 12 a and 12 b might be different from oneanother. In the embodiment shown, workstation 12 a includes acomputerized device 38 comprising for example, a flat screen computermonitor, and a computer readable data storage medium 39. Computerizeddevice 38 may be mounted to a frame 22 of workstation 12 a via a mount34. Frame 22 may further include a frame or body component (notnumbered) having a work platform 36 that is disposed adjacentcomputerized device 38. Workstations 12 a and 12 b may be used in aconventional hospital or clinic setting, wherein personnel can useworkstations 12 a, 12 b to move about the hospital, clinic, etc. togather patient healthcare data, process patient healthcare data, or fora variety of other purposes.

Frame 22 may further include a wheeled base 24 which has an upper side25, and a lower side 27 to which a plurality of wheels 26 are mounted toenable mobility of workstation 12 a. Frame 22 may further include asupport arm assembly 23 which extends vertically upwardly from upperside 25 of base 24 to support computerized device 38, and the portion offrame 22 which includes work platform 36. Workstation 12 a may furtherinclude a power system 28 which includes a control system 109 having atleast a portion of its components housed in a control system housing 30,for controlling, monitoring, etc., a variety of functions and featuresof workstation 12 a, as further described herein. In one embodiment,power system 28 may include a back-up battery 106 mounted in controlsystem housing 30. Power system 28 may further include a battery dockingstation 32 which comprises a battery input interface 33, and isconfigured for docking a removable battery therewith for supplying powerto workstation 12 a. As will be further apparent from the followingdescription, back-up battery 106 may be used in providing electricalpower to power system 28, and thenceforth to other systems, subsystemsand components of workstation 12 a during swapping a removable batteryfrom battery docking station 38 with a substitute removable battery.

In one embodiment, system 10 may include a set 13 of interchangeablebatteries 16, each one of which is configured to couple with batteryinput interface 33 via docking in docking station 32, as well as withany one of the other battery input interfaces associated with othermobile workstations of system 10. In FIG. 1, a first battery assembly 16a which includes a first battery of set 13 and a second battery assembly16 b which includes a second battery of set 13, are shown. When usingworkstation 12 a, 12 b of system 10, a battery docked with thecorresponding docking station 32 may be swapped with a substitutebattery once discharged. Thus, personnel may use workstations 12 a, 12 bto make rounds, for example, gathering and/or processing data in ahealthcare facility or otherwise administering patient care, monitoringor evaluation. Once removable batteries coupled with workstations 12 a,12 b are discharged, or are nearly discharged, workstations 12 a and 12b may be taken to a given location where substitute batteries areavailable, and the substitute batteries swapped with the dischargedbatteries coupled with each workstation 12 a, 12 b. By using a back-upbattery 106 with each workstation 12 a, 12 b, operation of system 10 maybe essentially seamless, and substitute batteries swapped withdischarged batteries, without requiring workstations 12 a, 12 b to powerdown, as further described herein. This capability is contemplated toprovide substantial advantages over earlier strategies whereworkstations were plugged into a wall outlet for recharging or whereworkstations had to be powered down to change batteries.

System 10 may further include a battery recharging system 14 forrecharging set 13 of interchangeable batteries. Battery rechargingsystem 14 may include a common battery charger 15 which includes aplurality of docking stations 18, each having a battery charginginterface 19. Battery charger 15 may further include a housing 17wherein each of the docking stations 18 are disposed. The use of commonbattery charger 15 in the manner described herein will enable reducingvariation in charging cycle count among the interchangeable batteries ofset 13. Since battery set 13 includes a plurality of batteries, each ofwhich may be coupled with one of workstations 12 a, 12 b at any onetime, certain batteries might be used, and thus discharged andrecharged, a greater number of times than others, without some means toreduce variability in charging cycle count. The present disclosureaddresses this need by way of a unique strategy for reducing chargingcycle count, as further described herein, and thus preventing relativeoveruse or underuse of any of the batteries of set 13.

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown battery charger 15 as viewedtowards each of docking stations 18. Each of docking stations 18 mayinclude a first, open end 40 and a second, blind end 42. Each of batterycharging interfaces 19 may be disposed at the corresponding second end42, and may comprise a multi-pin connector such as an eight-pinconnector. It may be noted that housing 17 includes a width W, and aheight H. Width W may be several times height H, and docking stations 18may be distributed side by side along width W. In a healthcare facilityor other institution, battery charger 15 might be wall mounted withdocking stations 18 positioned more or less horizontally at a heightsuch that batteries of set 13 can be readily docked with each dockingstation 18 by sliding the respective batteries therein. Other batterycharger configurations, docking station number and docking stationorientations are also contemplated herein, and the present descriptionof battery charger 15 should not be taken as limiting.

Each of docking stations 18 may further include a key 44 which isconfigured to orient a removable battery in a single desired orientationwhen docked with the corresponding docking station 18. This can allowappropriate alignment between a pin-type connector of a removablebattery and battery charging interfaces 19. In one embodiment, key 44may comprise an involute flute 44. Each of docking stations 18 mayfurther define a guide for battery docking having a narrowing taper fromfirst end 40 towards second end 42. In one embodiment, a width of eachof docking stations 18, corresponding with width W, may narrow in adirection from first end 40 towards second end 42, whereas a height ofeach docking station 18 may be uniform from first end 40 towards secondend 42. In other embodiments, each docking station 18 might have both auniform width and height, or could include non-uniform widths andheights, for example narrowing widths and narrowing heights.Furthermore, while the use of key 44 is contemplated to be one practicalimplementation strategy, other embodiments are contemplated in whichremovable batteries might be docked with docking station 18 in aplurality of different orientations, or where another means of ensuringa single docking orientation is provided.

Battery charger 15 may further include at least one indicating device 20which has a plurality of different indicating states, and is configuredto switch between the plurality of states in response to a batteryselection signal, further described herein. In one embodiment, the atleast one indicating device may include a plurality of lights 20, eachhaving an illuminated state and an unilluminated state. Accordingly,battery charger 15 may be configured to indicate a selected one of aplurality of batteries simultaneously docked with a plurality of dockingstations 18, for selection by a user. As further explained herein, thebattery which is indicated for use via battery charger 15 may be arecharged battery having the lowest charging cycle count of a pluralityof batteries simultaneously docked with battery charger 15. Thus, whenimplemented in the context of system 10, personnel may transport one ofworkstations 12 a, 12 b to battery recharging system 14, then swap adischarged battery for the fully charged battery in battery charger 15which has the lowest charging cycle count, as indicated by way ofindicating device(s) 20. While five battery docking stations are shown,in other embodiments only two battery docking stations might be used, ora greater number such as ten or more. The number of docking stationsselected for use in battery charger 15 may be a function of a number ofbatteries of system 10, a number of mobile workstations of system 10, anexpected time duration between battery charging cycles, expected timeduration of a battery charging cycle, and still other factors.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic view of batterycharger 15 which is illustrative of certain features and functions whichenable reducing variability in charging cycle count. Battery charger 15may include an electrical power system 45 which is connected with anelectrical connector 46 configured to connect with a conventional ACelectrical power supply (not shown) in a healthcare facility or otherinstitution. Power system 45 may include an input interface 48 such asan AC-DC interface which connects to a power bus 50 configured to supplyelectrical power to battery charging interfaces 19 associated with eachone of battery docking stations 18. Battery charging system 14 may alsoinclude at least one battery charging cycle counter 57. In oneembodiment, battery charging cycle counter 57 may be resident on batterycharger 15, although in other embodiments battery charging cycle counter57 might be positioned elsewhere in system 14 such as on one or more ofbatteries of set 13. The at least one battery charging cycle counter 57may be part of a control device 56 such as an electronic control unit 56having a microprocessor 58 and a computer readable memory 60. Memory 60,as well as the other computer readable data storage media describedherein, may comprise any suitable type of memory. In embodiments wherecharging cycle counter 57 is resident on battery charger 15, memory 60may comprise a writable memory. In other embodiments, wherein theprimary or sole purpose of memory 60 is to store computer executableinstructions for microprocessor 58, memory 60 might comprise a read-onlymemory. Electronic control unit 56, or another control device, may becoupled with each of battery charging interfaces 19 by way of a firstcommunication bus 52. Electronic control unit 56 may be coupled with theat least one indicating device 20 by way of a second communication bus54.

In one embodiment, electronic control unit 56 may be configured toreceive inputs via each of battery charging interfaces 19 which areindicative of at least one of, battery identification and charging cyclecount. Electronic control unit 56 may be further configured to determinea charging cycle count for each one of a plurality of interchangeablebatteries simultaneously docked with battery docking stations 18. In oneembodiment, electronic control unit 56 might receive batteryidentification data via each battery charging interface 19 which enableselectronic control unit 56 to identify the particular battery coupledwith each one of battery charging interfaces 19. In such an embodiment,electronic control unit 56 might utilize charging cycle counts for theidentified batteries stored in memory 60 to determine how many timeseach one of the identified batteries docked with charger 15 has beencharged. In another embodiment, electronic control unit 56 may receivecharging cycle count data stored on a memory resident on each one of aplurality of batteries docked with battery charger 15 via each batterycharging interface 19. In such an embodiment, each of the plurality ofbatteries might be understood as having the charging cycle counterresident thereon. In either case, electronic control unit 56 candetermine the number of times that each of a plurality of batteriesdocked therewith has been charged, and can output a battery selectionsignal via communication bus 54 to illuminate a selected one ofindicating devices 20 which corresponds with the docking station 18 orbattery charging interface 19 with which the selected battery iscoupled. In this general manner, personnel operating workstations 12 a,12 b of system 10 can be notified as to an appropriate battery to selectfrom battery charger 15. As illustrated in FIG. 1, first batteryassembly 16 a may be removed from battery docking station 32 of mobileworkstations 12 a and swapped with second battery assembly 16 b, whichhas been identified in battery charger 15 by illuminating an appropriatelight of indicating device 20.

It will be recalled that batteries selected from battery charger 15 forswapping with batteries on one of workstations 12 a and 12 b willtypically be fully charged or nearly fully charged. The reasons for thiswill be readily apparent. To this end, the process of selecting andindicating an appropriate battery for swapping out of battery charger 15may not only include counting battery charging cycles, it may alsoinclude determining which of a plurality of batteries docked withcharger 15 is at or above a predetermined charge status level. To thisend, electronic control unit 56 may be configured to assign a subset ofa plurality of interchangeable batteries docked with charger 15 to afirst category such as an available category, if an indicated chargestatus for the subset is above a predetermined level. Electronic controlunit 56 may further be configured to assign another subset of theplurality of interchangeable batteries to a second category such as anunavailable category, if the indicated charge status for the subset isbelow a predetermined level. The one or more batteries assigned to theavailable category may be the ones whose charging cycle count ispresently evaluated for selection of an appropriate battery. Thepredetermined level of charge status for the first subset might be thesame as the predetermined level of charge status for the second subsetin certain embodiments.

In still other embodiments, additional factors relating to battery usecharacteristics, charge status, and charging cycle count might be usedin selecting an appropriate battery for use. For instance, embodimentsare contemplated wherein battery charger 15 comprises a system in whichon time duration, off time duration, number of power-up and power-downcycles, temperature and still other factors are considered in selectingan appropriate battery from charger 15. It is thus contemplated that forcertain systems a multivariate recipe may exist for optimum batteryselection. Electronic control unit 56 could use a look-up table or thelike having two or more dimensions to select an appropriate battery foruse based a plurality of different factors. It is contemplated, however,that in at least certain embodiments determining a selected battery andoutputting a corresponding battery selection signal may be based solelyon charging cycle counts among a plurality of recharged batteriessimultaneously docked with docking stations 18.

Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown an elevational view from one sideof a power supply unit 16 suitable for use in system 10, or in a varietyof other applications. The present description of power supply unit 16should be understood to refer to corresponding or identical features ofany of the other battery assemblies used in connection with system 10,such as battery assemblies 16 a and 16 b shown in FIG. 1. Power supplyunit 16 may comprise a battery assembly 16 including an elongate housing72 formed of a molded plastic material having a first segment 75 and asecond segment 77. Housing 72 may further include a first end 76, and asecond end 78. In one embodiment, first segment 75 may include a handle74 for manipulating battery assembly 16, and defining a void 73 togetherwith the portion of housing 72 making up second segment 77. Batteryassembly 16 may further include a display device 79, such as an LCDdisplay, positioned on housing 72 and configured to display dataassociated with internal components and/or processes of battery assembly16, as further described herein. Battery assembly 16 may further includea key 80, for example comprising a longitudinal exvolute flute, which isconfigured to orient battery assembly 16 for docking with a batterydocking station such as one of battery docking stations 18 of charger 15or battery docking station 32 of mobile workstation 12 a. It will berecalled that each of battery docking stations 18 also includes a key44, and thus mating between keys 80 and 44 can ensure that batteryassembly 16 is docked in the corresponding docking station in anappropriate orientation. As further described herein, docking station 32of workstation 12 a may have a configuration similar or identical tothat shown and described with regard to docking stations 18 of batterycharger 15. Housing 72 may also include a length L₁ extending from firstend 76 to second end 78. Housing 72 may also include a first widthdimension W₃ which is oriented perpendicular to its length L₁, and alsoperpendicular to a longitudinal axis A of housing 72. In one embodiment,width W₃ may be nonuniform and may become smaller in a direction fromfirst end 76 towards second end 78.

It will be recalled that docking stations 18 each comprise a narrowingtaper from their corresponding first end 40 towards their correspondingsecond end 42. The narrowing width W₃ of housing 72 may be complementaryto the narrowing width of each docking station 18. Thus, housing 72 mayhave a shape which is complementary to a shape of each of dockingstations 18 as well as docking station 32, as further described herein.The narrowing taper of housing 72, in combination with key 80, maydefine an external contour of housing 72 which is adapted to mate withan internal contour of battery docking stations 18 and 32. The shape andcontour of housing 72 can enable battery assembly 16 to engage snugly indocking stations 18 or in docking station 32, when inserted in oneorientation.

Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown a side view of battery assembly16, illustrating the protruding configuration of key 80, as well as awidth dimension W₄ of housing 72 which comprises a uniform widthdimension. It may also be noted that housing 72 has a first housingpiece 86 whereupon key 80 is located, and a second housing piece 88.Together, housing pieces 86 and 88 comprise a clamshell configurationfor housing internal components of battery assembly 16, as furtherdescribed and illustrated herein. Referring also to FIG. 7, there isshown an end view of battery assembly 16, specifically of second end 78.It may be noted that first housing piece 86 includes an aperture 84formed therein. An electrical connector 82, for example, comprising apin-type connector such as an eight-pin connector, may be positioned toalign with aperture 84, and may be slightly recessed from aperture 84 incertain embodiments. Electrical connector 82 might comprise either of amale connector or a female connector. Electrical connector 82 may beconfigured to couple with battery charging interfaces 19, as well aswith battery input interface 33 of battery docking station 32, asfurther described herein. In one embodiment, two of the eight pins ofelectrical connector 82 may correspond to a positive terminal of abattery housed within housing 72, and two other pins may correspond to anegative terminal of the battery housed within housing 72. One of theeight pins may correspond to a thermistor of battery assembly 16 toenable temperature monitoring. One other pin of the eight pins maycomprise a battery detection pin to enable detection of electricallyconnecting battery assembly 18 with battery input interface 33 or one ofbattery charging interfaces 19. The remaining two pins may comprise datacommunication connectors, with a first one of the pins comprising aclock line and the second one of the pins comprising a datacommunication link such that communications between battery assembly 16and a non-resident microprocessor, for example, can take place seriallyin a manner analogous to other serial communications configurationsknown from the electronics arts.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown an exploded view of battery 16illustrating the described clamshell configurations of housing pieces 86and 88 as well as an interior space 94 defined by housing pieces 86 and88. An electrical energy device comprising a battery 92, and a controlboard 90 may be positioned in space 94. A variety of electroniccomponents may be mounted on control board, such as a memory, amicroprocessor and one or more communication and power buses. Suchcomponents are described in more detail in connection with thedescription hereinbelow of the use of battery assembly 16 in powersystem 28. Also illustrated in FIG. 8 is a sensor 96, which ispositioned within handle 74 and is configured to detect user interactionwith handle 74. In one embodiment, sensor 96 may comprise a touch sensoror a non-touch sensor which senses user contact with a sensing interfaceof sensor 96 or user proximity to a sensing interface of sensor 96,respectively, which is in turn indicative of user interaction withbattery assembly 16. One example embodiment could employ a TS100 sensoravailable from TouchSensor Technologies of Wheaton, Ill. A variety ofknown thermal sensors might be used in another embodiment to enabledetection of a user's hand in contact with or proximity to handle 74 byway of detecting body heat from the user's hand.

Mounting a sensor 96 in or on housing 72 is contemplated to be onepractical implementation strategy, however, the present disclosure isnot thereby limited. In other embodiments a different type of detectoror a detector mounted in a different location than that disclosed hereinmight be used to determine user proximity or user interaction withbattery assembly 16. For example, a mechanical switch might be coupledwith battery assembly 16, or alternatively coupled with docking station32, to enable detection of user interaction with battery assembly 16. Ina mechanical switch embodiment, a switch could be used which has amovable switching element that is moved during undocking batteryassembly 16. The movable switching element might establish an electricalconnection, break an electrical connection, or change the voltage,resistance or current, etc., associated with an electrical connection toindicate user interaction with battery assembly 16. In still otherembodiments, a detector configured to “detect” user interaction withbattery assembly 16 might comprise a user-actuated detector separatefrom either of battery assembly 16 or docking stations 18 or 32. Inother words, a user might manually actuate a button or switch prior toor during undocking battery assembly 16 to communicate to a controldevice that user interaction is taking place. One application fordetecting user interaction with battery assembly 16, via any of theembodiments described herein, is contemplated to be detecting a usergrasping handle 74 during swapping battery assembly 16 when docked witha mobile workstation with a substitute battery assembly. This can enablepower system 28 to switch from a first power sourcing mode to a secondpower sourcing mode, as further described herein.

Turning now to FIG. 9, there is shown a workstation 12 similar toworkstations 12 a and 12 b shown in FIG. 1 and thus described by way ofidentical reference numerals. The present description of workstation 12should thus be understood to refer to either of workstations 12 a and 12b of system 10, although as mentioned above it should be appreciatedthat workstations 12 a, 12 b comprising system 10 might differ from oneanother in certain embodiments. Thus, the present description should notbe understood as limiting, but illustrative only. In one embodiment,support arm assembly 23 may include a lower arm 23 a and an upper arm 23b. A pivot assembly 21 may be coupled with upper and lower arms 23 a and23 b to allow a vertical position of work platform 36 to be varied in aknown manner. A connection between lower arm 23 a and base 24 might alsocomprise a pivoting connection in certain embodiments.

Also shown in FIG. 9 is a display 59, which may be an LCD display or thelike mounted on or in work platform 36, and configured to displayinformation relating to status and operation of power system 28, asfurther described herein. Battery assembly 16 is also shown in FIG. 9,removed from docking station 32. The following description of batteryassembly 16 with respect to workstation 12, and in particular dockingstation 32, should be understood as applicable to any of the batteryassemblies of set 13 described above. The present description of dockingstation 32 should likewise be understood to be generally applicable.Docking station 32 may have a first, open end 100 and a second, blindend 102. In one embodiment, docking station 32 may comprise a holsterconfigured to mount to pivot assembly 21 in an exposed and readilyaccessible location. Workstation 12 may define a vertical axis V, whichextends through lower side 27 and upper side 25 of base 24. It may benoted that work platform 36 is supported via upper arm 23 b at alocation vertically above base 24. The mounting location of dockingstation 32 on pivot assembly 21 may be at a location which is verticallybetween base 24 and work platform 36, as also shown in FIG. 1 inconnection with workstation 12 a. Also shown in FIG. 9 are certain ofthe subcomponents of power system 28, including control system housing30, which may have mounting rails 31 for mounting at a location at lowerside 27 of base 24. Power system 28 may also include one or moreauxiliary power output modules 29 a and 29 b which are configured to bepositioned within housing 30, and thus also mounted at lower side 27.

Turning now to FIG. 10, there is shown docking station 32 viewed fromits first, open end 100 towards its second, blind end 102. It will benoted that docking station 32 has certain similarities with dockingstations 18, described above, and may be substantially identical inshape and internal contour in at least certain embodiments. Dockingstation 32 may include an inner diameter 101 defining a guide adapted toguide battery assembly 16, or a battery assembly which isinterchangeable with battery assembly 16, during docking with dockingstation 32. Docking station 32 may also include a key 104 also definedby inner diameter 101, comprising for example an involute flute, whichextends from first end 100 towards second end 102. Docking station 32may also have a first width dimension W₅ at first end 100, and a second,smaller width dimension W₆ at second end 102. Docking station 32 thushas a narrowing taper from first end 100 towards second end 102. Aninternal height of docking station 32, the dimension perpendicularwidths W₅ and W₆, may be uniform from first end 100 to second end 102.It will be recalled that housing 72 of battery assembly 16 also may havea narrowing taper. Housing 72 may also have a shape complementary to ashape of inner diameter 101 of docking station 32. Housing 72 also hasan external contour which is configured to mate with an internal contourguide defined by inner diameter 101.

It may further be noted that inner diameter 101 has a non-polygonalshape and an internal contour which corresponds with the non-polygonalshape over at least a portion of a distance from first end 100 to secondend 102. Housing 72 may have a complementary non-polygonal shape, and anexternal contour matched to the internal contour of the guide defined byinner diameter 101 and configured to mate therewith during dockingbattery assembly 16 in docking station 32. Returning to FIG. 9, dockingstation 32 is shown approximately in an orientation it may occupy whenmounted on support arm assembly 23. Thus, open end 100 is positionedvertically higher than blind end 102. This orientation enables gravityassisted drop-in engagement of battery assembly 16 in docking station32. Mounting docking station 32 in an exposed location on a side ofsupport arm assembly 23 and in the described orientation will allowpersonnel to readily decouple battery assembly 16 from docking station32, and readily drop in a substitute battery assembly, minimizinginterruptions in work and use of mobile workstation 12. The describedmounting location, orientation and configuration of docking station 32further allows docking station 32 to function as a holster, such that itcan be accessed from a direction which is not obstructed by othercomponents of workstation 12. A user will typically utilize workstation12 from a front side 11 a, and will typically access battery dockingstation 32 from an opposite back side 11 b, which represents an accesspath and direction to docking station 32 in three-dimensional spacewhich is relatively less obstructed than other access paths ordirections. As shown in FIG. 10, battery input interface 33 may belocated at blind end 102, and may include an electrical connector 98which is configured to electrically connect with electrical connector 82of battery assembly 16 such that an electrical power link, and also acommunication link, may be established between battery assembly 16 andpower system 28 upon docking of battery assembly 16 in docking station32. When battery assembly 16 is decoupled from docking station 32, theelectrical power and communication links between battery assembly 16 andpower system 28 may be disconnected.

By implementing the concepts described herein, mobile workstation 12 maypower a computerized device of workstation 12 such as device 38, oranother computerized device, with a removable battery, represented bybattery assembly 16 a in FIG. 1. When battery assembly 16 a is to beswapped out, a user may decouple removable battery 16 a from dockingstation 32, and dock a substitute battery assembly represented bybattery 16 b in FIG. 1 in the guide defined by inner diameter 101 ofbattery docking station 32 at a location between base 24 andcomputerized device 38. When the substitute battery assembly 16 b isdocked with battery docking station 32, computerized device 38 may bepowered with battery assembly 16 b. The batteries disclosed anddescribed herein may comprise relatively lightweight batteries such aslithium polymer batteries, having a power to weight ratio of about fiveAmp-hours per pound or greater. Many earlier designs utilized relativelyheavy lead-acid batteries, having power to weight ratios of about fiveto ten times less than that of the lithium polymer batteries which maybe used as described herein. Even where conventional batteries could beconsidered removable, they were typically unwieldy and even dangerous tomanipulate by personnel.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown an exploded view of housing 30also illustrating certain of the components of control system 109 whichmay be positioned therein. Housing 30 may in some embodiments beidentical to housing 130 shown in FIG. 11 and described below, hence thepresent description of housing 30 should also be understood to refer tocomponents of housing 130. Housing 30 may include a plurality of housingpanels, including a side panel 35 a, a top panel 35 c which includesrails 31, a bottom panel 35 b and an end panel 35 d. Certain of thecomponents of control system 109 may be housed within housing 30,including a control module 108 having a main control board 111, and anelectronic control unit such as a microprocessor 110 coupled withcontrol board 111. Back-up battery 106 is also shown positioned inhousing 30 and mounted on control board 111. The auxiliary power outputmodules, one of which is shown, 29 a, may also be positioned withinhousing 30 and may be electrically connected with control module 108.Ballast 37, for example comprising a plurality of ballast plates, mayalso be coupled with or positioned within housing 30 to assist inpositioning a center of gravity of a workstation to which housing 30 iscoupled at a desired location.

Turning to FIG. 13, there is shown a schematic illustration of powersystem 28 by way of a block diagram. Power system 28 may include batterydocking station 32, shown having a first removable battery assembly 16docked herewith. A second removable battery assembly 116, which isinterchangeable with battery assembly 16, and may be identical tobattery 16, is also shown in FIG. 13. It will be recalled that batteryassembly 16 may include a plurality of components housed with housing72. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, battery assembly 16 includes anelectrical energy device having a battery 92, electrically connectedwith electrical connector 82. Battery assembly 16 is shown as it mightappear when electrically connected with electrical connector 98 ofbattery input interface 33 of battery docking station 32 via electricalconnector 82. Battery assembly 16 may also include sensor 96, which isin communication with a microprocessor 164 resident on battery assembly16 via a communication bus 162 comprising, for example, a smartmanagement bus.

A memory 166 is also coupled with microprocessor 164. It will berecalled that battery assemblies according to the present disclosure mayinclude a charging cycle counter. Accordingly, in one embodiment batteryassembly 16 may include a charging cycle counter which comprisesmicroprocessor 164 and memory 166 and stores a charging cycle count forbattery assembly 16. Thus, memory 166 may comprise a rewritable memorysuch that microprocessor 166 can store charging cycle count date andother data thereon. Display 78, or another indicating device, is alsoshown connected with microprocessor via communication bus 162. In oneembodiment, display 78 may comprise a push-on fuel gauge configured todisplay a power level remaining in battery 92 in response to beingactuated by a user. As shown in FIG. 13 battery assembly 16 is dockedwith docking station 32 such that it is electrically connected withpower system 28, and also in communication with power system 28. Batteryassembly 16 may thus be understood to include a segment of a powersupply circuit connecting battery 92 with power system 28, as well as asegment of a communication link from sensor 96, and each connecting withelectrical connector 82.

Docking station 32 may be electrically connected with a power interface148 of power system 28, which includes a first input interface 149comprising a power link between docking station 32 and power interface148. Thus, connecting battery assembly 16 with electrical connector 98of docking station 32 establishes a power link between battery assembly16 and power system 28. Power interface 148 may further include a secondinput interface 150 which is electrically connected with back-up battery106, and an output interface 151 which is electrically connected with apower bus 154. Computerized device 38 may be coupled with power bus 154,as may first and second auxiliary power output modules 29 a and 29 b. Itshould be appreciated that the illustrated configuration is in manyrespects purely illustrative, and multiple power buses, power outputmodules, DC to DC converter modules, etc. might be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment,power module 29 a may comprise an AC power output module configured tosupply power from power bus 154 to an AC powered peripheral device (notshown). Power output module 29 b may comprise a DC output module whichis configured to supply power to a DC peripheral device 200.

Power system 28 may further include control system 109, comprisingcontrol module 108. Control module 108 may include microprocessor 110, amemory 156 coupled with microprocessor 110 which may comprise arewritable memory, and a countdown timer 158 also connected withmicroprocessor 110. Control module 108 may further include a first datainterface 106 which connects a communication link 155 withmicroprocessor 110. Communication link 155 may connect docking station32 with data interface 160, such that data associated with batteryassembly 16 may be communicated to microprocessor 110. In oneembodiment, communication link 155 may communicate a user interactionsignal from sensor 96 to microprocessor 110 which is indicative of userinteraction with battery assembly 16. In this manner, when a user graspsbattery assembly 16 via handle 74, sensor 96 may output a signal whichis communicated to microprocessor 110. First date interface 160 may thusbe understood also as a detector interface, as signals from sensor 96 oranother type of detector may be received therewith to indicate userinteraction with battery assembly 16. In still other embodiments, theabsence of a signal via interface 160 could be indicative tomicroprocessor 110 that a user is interacting with battery assembly 16,or a change in a signal value, etc.

Control module 108 may further include a second data interface 157 whichis coupled with another communication link 153 connecting control module108 with peripheral device 200. Display 59 may also be coupled withmicroprocessor 110 via communication link 155. It should be appreciatedthat while communication link 155 will typically be a wiredcommunication link, as will the other communication links describedherein, in other embodiments wireless communication might be used. Powersystem 28 may further include a programming interface 159 coupled withcontrol module 108 which is configured for downloading updatedprogramming software to control module 108 for storing on memory 156.For example, as changes or additions are made to power system 28 or toan associated workstation, such as addition of peripheral devices orsubstitution of components, software or firmware updates may be enabledby overwriting or supplementing computer executable control systeminstructions recorded on memory 156.

Power system 28 may be configured to operate in a first power sourcingmode where power interface 148 receives power via input interface 149from docking station 32, and supplies the electrical power via outputinterface 151 to power bus 154. In other words, in the first powersourcing mode, power may be received via input interface 149 frombattery assembly 16. Power system 28 may be further configured tooperate in a second power sourcing mode where power interface 148receives power via input interface 150 from back-up battery 106, andsupplies the power via output interface 151 to power bus 154. In oneembodiment, in the first power sourcing mode or via a sub-routineassociated with the first power sourcing mode, back-up battery 106 maybe recharged by electrically connecting back-up battery 106 with batteryassembly 16 via power interface 148, as further described herein.

Power interface 148 may further include a switching device 152, such asa solid state transistor switch, which is configured to switch powerinterface 148 from the first power sourcing mode to the second powersourcing mode, responsive to detecting user interaction with batteryassembly 16. In other words, switching device 152 may be configured toswitch power system 28 from a state in which battery assembly 16supplies power to power bus 154 to a state in which back-up battery 106supplies power to power bus 154. In other embodiments, switching device152 might be configured to switch power system 28 from a first modereceiving power from battery assembly 16 to a second mode receivingpower from a second battery assembly which is different from back-upbattery 106, such as a second removable battery assembly docked with asecond docking station (not shown) of power system 28.

In one embodiment, control module 108 may be configured via softwareand/or firmware to control switching between the respective powersourcing modes. To this end, memory 156 may store computer executableinstructions for controlling power sourcing via control system 109.Microprocessor 110 may in turn be configured by way of executingcomputer executable instructions stored on memory 156 to switch powerinterface 148 from the first power sourcing mode to the second powersourcing mode. It is contemplated that one practical implementation ofthe described control strategy will be switching power system 28 to aback-up mode while battery assembly 16 is swapped with a substitutebattery assembly such as battery assembly 116. Battery assembly 16 maybe decoupled from docking station 32 at a first time, and batteryassembly 116 may be docked with docking station 32 at a second time.Back-up battery 106 may provide electrical power to power system 28between the first time and the second time. When battery assembly 116 issubstituted for battery assembly 16, control system 109 may detectelectrical connection of battery assembly 116 via electrical connector98 and responsively switch power system 28, or more specifically powerinterface 148, back to the first power sourcing mode. It will berecalled that electrical connector 98 may comprise a multi-pin connectorconfigured for serial communication. One of the pins associated withelectrical connector 98 may be a pin dedicated at least in part toenabling detection of battery assembly 16, 116 by microprocessor 110when docked in docking station 32.

It will be recalled that display 59 may be configured to display varioussorts of information associated with power system 28. In one embodiment,display 59 may display information in a first display mode relating tocharge state, or various other data associated with battery assembly 16,communicated to display 59 from battery assembly 16 via communicationlink 155. Data associated with battery assembly 16 may also becommunicated to microprocessor 110 from communication link 155 by way ofdata interface 160. When battery assembly 16 is decoupled from dockingstation 32, microprocessor 110 may switch display 59 to a second displaymode to display other information, as described herein. In one exampleembodiment, decoupling of battery assembly 16 from docking station 32may induce microprocessor 110 to activate countdown timer 158. Inparallel or following activating countdown timer 158, microprocessor 110may switch display 59 to the second display mode comprising a timingmode where it can display a countdown time as dictated by countdowntimer 158, and further described herein. Switching display 59 betweenits respective display modes may take place responsive to a userinteraction signal received via data interface 160. When countdown timer158 has expired, microprocessor 110 may initiate a shutdown mode,whereby power system 28 is powered down. The shutdown mode and differentdisplay modes may be enabled by computer executable instructions storedon memory 156, as further described herein. When countdown timer 158 isdeactivated prior to expiring, such as where a replacement battery isdocked with docking station 32 prior to expiration of countdown timer158, a shutdown signal for power system 28 and an associated workstationwill typically not be generated.

It will be recalled that sensor 96 may comprise a user proximity sensor.This means that sensor 96 may have a first output state or a normal usestate, and a second output state comprising a user proximity state, forexample where a user is grasping or is in proximity to handle 74. Asdescribed, sensor 96 may output a user interaction signal viacommunication link 155 which is received by microprocessor 110 andindicates that user interaction with battery assembly 16 has beendetected. Microprocessor 110 may output a power source switching signalto power interface 148 to switch from the first power sourcing mode tothe second power sourcing mode in response to detecting user interactionwith battery assembly 16. One advantage of the present disclosure isthat power may be continuously supplied to power bus 154 while a userswaps battery assembly 16 with substitute battery assembly 116. In otherwords, when no battery is docked in docking station 32, the second powersourcing mode may be used to supply power to power bus 154 from back-upbattery 106. This strategy is enabled in part by the ability of sensor96 to detect user interaction with battery assembly 116 in advance ofelectrically disconnecting battery assembly 16 from docking station 32.In other words, sensor 96 may output a user interaction signal prior toelectrical connectors 82 and 98 being electrically disconnected from oneanother, and thus prior to completing decoupling battery assembly 16from docking station 32.

Microprocessor 110 may thus switch power interface 148 between its powersourcing modes such that seamless power supply to power bus 154 ispossible. Thus, when a user brings a workstation such as workstation 12a, 12 b, 12 to battery charging system 14, it is not necessary to powerdown the associated workstation to swap out the primary battery. In afurther aspect, the described configuration for battery assembly 16, theconfiguration, location and orientation of docking station 32 and theuse of a relatively light weight battery allows battery swapping to berelatively fast and simple. Even in earlier designs where a batteryassembly might be considered removable, the relatively heavy weight ofconventional batteries and the lack of a facile docking and undockingstrategy prevented switching batteries from taking place in an optimaland convenient manner. A further advantage over state of the art systemsis obviating the need to ever plug a workstation into a wall outlet,either for recharging a resident battery or while swapping removablebatteries. Accordingly, a fleet of mobile workstations, such as areshown in FIG. 1 may be completely separate from a facility's nativepower system apart from battery charger 15. This provides improvementsnot only in efficiency and reliability, but also safety as theinteraction of personnel with electrical outlets during usingworkstations as described herein is eliminated.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to the manner inwhich peripheral devices for a mobile workstation may be powered andcontrolled. Referring also to FIG. 15, there is shown a mobileworkstation 412 according to one embodiment. Mobile workstation 412 mayinclude a variety of features similar to features of the otherworkstations described herein, including a frame 422 having a supportarm assembly, a base 424 and a work platform 436. A computerized device440, such as a computer having a display and a memory (not shown), maybe mounted at a position vertically above base 424, similar tocomputerized device 38 shown in FIG. 1. Workstation 412 may furtherinclude a power system 28 having a battery docking station 32, and acontrol system 109 positioned within a control system housing 30 mountedunder base 424. Apart from certain aspects of the software and/orfirmware used in operating and controlling power system 28, power system28 may be substantially as described in connection with FIG. 13. Hence,identical reference numerals are used for certain of the components ofworkstation 412 in FIG. 15.

Power system 28 may further include a back-up battery 106 and amicroprocessor 110, and control system 109 may be configured to controlpower sourcing between back-up battery 106 and a removable batterydocked with battery docking station 32 in a manner similar to thatdescribed in connection with the foregoing embodiments, and thereforenot further specifically described herein. Mobile workstation 412 mayalso include a peripheral device 200 mounted to frame 422. Peripheraldevice 200 may comprise any of a wide variety of known and even yet tobe developed devices. For instance, peripheral device 200 might comprisea data gathering device such as an electronic scanning device, a bloodpressure monitor, a thermometer, an EKG device, etc. Peripheral device200 might also comprise a variety of other devices unrelated togathering data, such as a vacuum, an electrical motor for propellingworkstation 412 or for raising or lowering work platform 436, etc.

In one embodiment, peripheral device 200 may comprise an electronicallycontrolled device 438 having a locked state and a use state. Device 200might thus be a piece of equipment which may be locked againstunauthorized or inappropriate use. In one further embodiment,electronically controlled device 438 may comprise an electricallyactuated device such as a motor, an actuator or an electronicallyoperated lock having a locked state and an unlocked state. In oneexample, electronically controlled device 438 may be used to controlaccess to one or more medication drawers 202. A communication link 153may be provided which connects electronically operated lock 438 withmicroprocessor 110, as also shown in the block diagram of FIG. 13.Workstation 412 may still further include a user interface 459 whichalso connects with communication link 153. In one embodiment, userinterface 459 may comprise a keypad configured such that a user canenter an access code or the like, which may be communicated as datainputs to microprocessor 410 via communication link 153 and datainterface 157, as shown in FIG. 13. Microprocessor 110 may output anunlocking control signal to electronically operated lock 438 if the datainputs meet a predetermined criterion, such as matching an access codestored in memory 156. When lock 438 is unlocked, the associated drawer202 may be opened to allow access to medications stored therein. Whendrawer 202 is closed, microprocessor 110 may automatically return device438 to its locked state. If drawer 202 remains open longer than aspecified time, microprocessor 110 could output an alert signal or thelike. Countdown timer 158 could be used in connection with such afeature.

Workstation 412 differs, among other things, from earlier mobileworkstations in that power system 28, which is resident on mobileworkstation 412 and is separate from and operable independently ofcomputerized device 440 and peripheral device 200, may control bothpower sourcing and data processing. In other words, power system 28 mayby way of control system 109 be configured to control power to aplurality of separate computerized devices such as device 440 and device200 coupled with power system 28, while also functioning to process datain one or more of the separate computerized devices.

This differs from earlier workstations where peripheral devices eitherneeded to be controlled by their own data processing system, or reliedupon control via a primary computer of the mobile workstation. Thus,power system 428 may be thought of as an intelligent power system whichincludes both power sourcing control capability, and data processingcapability. This is contemplated to free up a primary computer, such ascomputerized device 440, to perform native hospital or clinic functionsand solely run native hospital or clinic software. Data processingand/or control over a peripheral device can thus be separated entirelyfrom operation of the primary computer. The present description of powersystem 28 being resident on, separate from and operable independently ofcomputerized device 440 is intended to mean, among other thins, thatpower system 28 is a part of workstation 412 itself, at least in theFIG. 15 embodiment. Thus, another peripheral device, or even a secondcomputer placed on workstation 412 in addition to computerized device440, would not be fairly said to be resident on workstation 412,separate from, and operable independently of the plurality ofcomputerized devices represented by devices 200 and 440.

Returning to FIG. 13, it will be recalled that microprocessor 110 mayreceive data from peripheral device 200. In an embodiment suitable foruse in connection with mobile workstation 412, memory 156 may storecomputer executable instructions comprising a power sourcing algorithmand a data processing algorithm. Microprocessor 110 may be configured byway of executing the power sourcing algorithm to switch power interface148 from a first power sourcing mode receiving power via first inputinterface 149 to the second power sourcing mode receiving power viasecond input interface 150. Microprocessor 110 may further be configuredby way of executing the data processing algorithm to control peripheraldevice 200 in response to inputs received via data interface 157. Asdescribed above, user interface 459 may be configured to receive userinputs. In one embodiment, the user inputs might comprise activationdata for peripheral device 200, whereas in other embodiments the inputsmight comprise deactivation data. For example, activation data might beused where only certain users are authorized to use peripheral device200, and thus microprocessor 110 only permits activation of peripheraldevice 200 in certain instances. Deactivation data might be used, forexample, in the foregoing electronic lock example to deactivate, e.g.unlock, drawer(s) 202. Microprocessor 110 may be configured by way ofexecuting the data processing algorithm to compare the activation dataor deactivation data, or both, with data stored on computer readablememory 156. If activation or deactivation of peripheral device 200 isdetermined to be appropriate in response to the user inputs,microprocessor 110 may output an appropriate control signal toperipheral device 200.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a workstation 112 representingan existing workstation which is retrofitted with a replacement powersystem 128 via a retrofit kit. While it is contemplated that manyembodiments of the present disclosure will include workstations purposebuilt to accommodate the power system and other components describedherein, it may be desirable in many instances to retrofit existingworkstations with certain of the elements and features disclosed herein.Workstation 112 may include a computerized device 138, for examplecomprising a computer monitor, a work platform 136, a frame comprising asupport arm assembly 123 and a wheeled base 124. Base 124 may include anupper side 125 and a lower side 127. An existing battery assembly 122 isshown coupled at lower side 127 of base 124. In one embodiment,retrofitting power system 128 will include coupling power system 128with mobile workstation 112 in place of an existing power system, whichincludes battery assembly 122. Battery assembly 122 may thus representone of the unwieldy and relatively heavy lead-acid battery assemblies ofthe prior art.

As mentioned above, retrofitting workstation 112 may take place by wayof a retrofit kit. Many different components may be included in aretrofit kit according to the present disclosure. One practicalimplementation strategy for a retrofit kit will include the componentsof power system 128 pictured in FIG. 11, recognizing that certain of thecomponents might be excluded or others included without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure. The retrofitting method may beginby removing existing battery assembly 122 from a mount 133 defining afirst mounting location on workstation 112. A housing 130 for certaincomponents of power system 128, namely, control system components, maythen be positioned at the first mounting location and coupled with mount133 in place of existing battery assembly 122. To this end, housing 130may include mounting rails 131 which are preconfigured to mount housing130 with mounts 133. Housing 130 may be similar to housing 30 describedin connection with FIG. 12. Power system 128 may also include at leastone auxiliary power output module 129 a, 129 b, configured to bepositioned within housing 130. Many of the control and operationalaspects and features of power system 128 may be identical to those ofpower system 28, described elsewhere herein, and reference is thereforemade to the discussion herein of power system 28 for the manner ofoperation and control of workstation 112 once power system 128 iscoupled therewith. Likewise, components of power system 128 may alsoinclude components similar to those shown as components of power system28 in FIG. 13, such as control system 109, back-up battery 106, andmicroprocessor 110.

Retrofitting power system 128 to workstation 112 may also includeestablishing a power link between a power interface of power system 128and a docking station 132 for a removable battery assembly 16 of powersystem 128. The configuration and operation of the power interface ofpower system 128 may be similar to that of power system 28, and is thusnot specifically described or illustrated herein. Retrofitting powersystem 128 may also include establishing a communication link betweencontrol system 109 and a detector of the replacement power system 128which is configured to detect user interaction with removable batteryassembly 16. The detector may comprise a sensor associated with batteryassembly 16, such as sensor 96 discussed above, although alternativessuch as mechanical switches are contemplated.

It will be recalled that existing battery assembly 122 may be relativelyheavy. Accordingly, when housing 130 is swapped with existing batteryassembly 122, a center of gravity of workstation 112 may be changed.Changing the location of the center of gravity may be compensated for byplacing a ballast 137, for example a plurality of ballast plates coupledwith housing 130, in place of existing battery assembly 122. It willfurther be recalled that mounts 133 define a first mounting location.When power system 128 is coupled with workstation 112, a docking station132 may be mounted to support arm assembly 123 at a second mountinglocation which is vertically between base 124 and computerized device138. In one embodiment, docking station 132 may be mounted to a pivotassembly 121 of support arm assembly 123. Docking station 132 mayfurther define a guide, similar to the guide defined by docking station32, which is oriented in a non-horizontal orientation to enable gravityassisted drop-in engagement of battery assembly 16 therein.

Docking station 132 may include a display 146, for example comprising anLCD display, positioned thereon and configured to display dataassociated with battery assembly 16 similar to that of display 59described elsewhere herein. A mounting bracket 140 may also be providedwhich includes a first connecting interface 142 configured to connectwith pivot assembly 121, and a second connecting interface 144 which isconfigured to connect with docking station 132. Mounting docking station132 to support arm assembly 123 via mounting bracket 140 positionsdocking station 132 in the described non-horizontal orientation, similarto that described in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10. It will further berecalled that battery assembly 16 may include an electrical connector,similar to that described above. Accordingly, docking battery assembly16 with docking station 132 may comprise the described establishing of acommunication link.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown an example power source switchingroutine according to the present disclosure by way of a flowchart 600.The process of flowchart 600 may begin at a start, step 605, and mayproceed to step 610 where a workstation such as workstation 12 a, 12 b,12, 112, 412 is powered via a main battery such as battery 92 of batteryassembly 16. At step 610, the workstation, hereinafter referred to asworkstation 12, may have battery assembly 16 docked in holster 32. Fromstep 610, the process may proceed to step 615 where sensor 96 may outputa user interaction signal. It will be recalled that sensor 96 isresident on battery assembly 16, however, alternatives such as amechanical switch are contemplated. From step 615, the process mayproceed to step 620 where microprocessor 110 can output a power sourceswitching signal in response to the user interaction signal. From step620, the process may proceed to step 625 wherein power interface 148 isswitched from the first power sourcing mode to the second power sourcingmode, responsive to the power source switching signal.

From step 625, the process may proceed to step 630 wherein workstation12 may be powered from back-up battery 106. From step 630, the processmay proceed to step 635 wherein main battery assembly 16 is decoupledfrom docking station 32. It will be recalled that detecting userinteraction will typically take place in advance of electricallydisconnecting battery assembly 16 from docking station 32.

From step 635, main battery assembly 16 may be swapped with a substitutebattery assembly such as battery assembly 116, which is then docked indocking station 32, and detected in docking station 32 in step 640. Fromstep 640, the process may proceed to step 645 where microprocessor 110may output another power source switching signal in response todetecting the substitute battery. It will be recalled that one of theelectrical connector pins of electrical connector 82 may comprise adetection pin, such that coupling of substitute battery assembly 116, orany of the other interchangeable batteries described herein, may bedetected. From step 645, the process may proceed to step 650 where powerinterface 148 is switched from the second power sourcing mode back tothe first power sourcing mode, in response to the power source switchingsignal. From step 650, the process may proceed to step 655 whereworkstation 12 is powered from the substitute battery 116. From step655, the process may proceed to step 660 to finish.

Turning to FIG. 14, there is illustrated by way of another flowchart 310an exemplary process for operating and/or using and controlling variousof the components of power system 28. It should be appreciated that theprocess of flowchart 600, described above, may take place in parallelwith the process of flowchart 310, or might be a sub-routine of theprocess of flowchart 310. The process of flowchart 310 may begin at astart, step 315, and may then proceed to a step 320 where a main batterysuch as that of battery assembly 16 is inserted into docking station 32.From step 320, the process may proceed in parallel to steps 322 and 324.In step 324, DC-DC boards of power system 28 may be turned on, such as aDC-DC board for powering computerized device 38, and DC-DC boardsassociated with one or more of modules 29 a and 29 b. In step 322, themain control board, such as control board 111, may communicate with LCDdisplay 59.

From step 322, the process may proceed to step 326 where display 59displays the software or firmware revisions running for each of thevarious control boards of power system 28. From step 326, the processmay proceed to step 328 where the main control board 111 checks mainbattery status, such as for battery assembly 16 in the FIG. 13illustration. From step 328, the process may proceed in parallel to step332 and 334. In step 334, a capacity of back-up battery 106 may bemeasured. From step 334, the process may proceed to step 336 to querywhether back-up battery 106 is charged. If yes, the process may returnto step 334, if no, the process may proceed to step 338. In step 338,back-up battery 106 may be trickle charged from main battery 16.

In step 332, it may be queried whether main battery 16 is in dockingstation 32. If no, the process may proceed to step 330 where display 59displays a two-minute countdown. From step 330, the process may proceedto step 331 to execute a complete shutdown of the workstation. If, atstep 332, the main battery is in docking station 32, the process mayproceed ahead to step 340 to measure the capacity of the main battery,such as by receiving inputs via data interface 160. From step 340, theprocess may proceed ahead to step 342 to display via display 59remaining time for the main battery. From step 342, the process mayproceed to step 344 to query whether twenty minutes or less remains. Ifno, the process may return to step 328. If yes, the process may proceedto step 346 wherein display 59 displays a replace battery alert. Fromstep 346, the process may proceed to step 348 to query whether there arezero minutes left. If zero minutes are not left, the process may returnto step 346. If, at step 348, zero minutes are left, the process mayproceed to step 350 to execute a complete shut down of the workstation.From step 350, the process may proceed to step 352 to finish.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a flow chart 200 illustratingcertain steps in an exemplary control process executed via batterycharger 15, and in particular executed via microprocessor 58 ofelectronic control unit 56. The process of flow chart 200 may begin at astart, step 205, and may then proceed to step 210 wherein microprocessor58 may check battery charge status associated with each battery charginginterface 19. From step 210, the process may proceed to step 215 whereinmicroprocessor 58 may query whether there are at least two chargedbatteries simultaneously docked with battery charger 15. If no, theprocess may return to execute step 210 again or might simply exit. Ifyes, the process may proceed to step 220 to flag those of batterycharging interfaces 19 which have a fully charged battery dockedtherewith.

From step 220, the process may proceed to step 225 where microprocessor58 receives data inputs via the flagged battery charging interfaces 19in indicative of at least one of, battery identification and chargingcycle count, for example via communication bus 52. From step 225, theprocess may proceed to step 230 where microprocessor 58 will comparecharging cycle counts for batteries associated with the flagged charginginterfaces. From step 230, the process may proceed to step 235 wheremicroprocessor 58 will select a battery charging interface 19 associatedwith a lowest charging cycle count. From step 235, the process mayproceed to step 240 where microprocessor 58 will output an activationsignal to one of indicating devices 20 which is associated with theselected charging interface. From step 240, the process may proceed tostep 245 to finish.

Turning now to FIG. 16, there is shown a communications block diagramrepresenting communication organization and structure in a power systemaccording to the present disclosure such as power system 28. In diagram500, block 502 is a main control module block, whereas block 504 is amain battery holster charger block. Block 506 is a main battery moduleblock, whereas block 516 is an LCD information display block, each ofblocks 506 and 516 communicating with block 504 via a commoncommunication link 155, corresponding with communication link 155 shownin FIG. 13. Block 514 indicates a real time clock, block 512 representsEEPROM or another form of memory and block 510 represents a back-upbattery charger. Each of blocks 510, 512 and 514 communicates with block502 via a common communication link 528. Block 508 represents a back-upbattery module, which communicates with block 510. Block 518 representsan AC voltage output module, block 520 represents a dual DC voltageoutput module and block 522 also represents a dual DC voltage outputmodule. Each of blocks 518, 520 and 522 may be understood asrepresenting a hardware layer, corresponding to devices powered viapower system 28, 128 as described herein, and communicating via a commoncommunication link 526 with each of blocks 502 and 504, whereas all ofthe other blocks may be understood as representing a firmware layer.

The present description is for illustrative purposes only, and shouldnot be construed to narrow the breadth of the present disclosure in anyway. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that variousmodifications might be made to the presently disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the full and fair scope and spirit of the presentdisclosure. While much of the foregoing description focuses onapplications in the mobile workstation arts, the present disclosure isnot thereby limited. For example, it is contemplated that batterycharging system 14 and the associated strategies for reducing chargingcycle count may be broadly applicable outside the mobile workstationcontext. Embodiments are contemplated where batteries for a system ofbattery operated devices such as power tools are recharged in accordancewith the present disclosure, such as by indicating which of a set ofbatteries for the system of battery operated devices should be selectedto reduce variation in charging cycle count among the batteries of theset. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent upon anexamination of the attached drawings and appended claims.

1. A mobile workstation comprising: a frame which includes a base having an upper side, a lower side and a plurality of wheels mounted at the lower side, the frame further including a mount for a computerized device at a location spaced from the base; a power system resident on the mobile workstation for supplying power to a computerized device positioned on the mount, the power system including a power bus and a battery docking station mounted to the frame at a location between the base and the mount and electrically connected with the power bus; the battery docking station further including a holster having an open end and an opposite blind end, and defining a guide extending from the open end to the blind end which includes a shape and an internal contour; and a removable battery assembly configured to dock with the battery docking station via engagement in the guide, and including a housing having a shape which is complementary to the shape of the guide and an external contour configured to mate with the internal contour of the guide.
 2. The mobile workstation of claim 1 wherein the frame defines a vertical axis extending through the upper side and the lower side of the base and includes a support arm assembly extending upwardly from the base, and wherein the holster is mounted in an exposed position on the support arm assembly with the open end positioned vertically higher than the blind end to enable gravity assisted engagement of the battery assembly in the guide.
 3. The mobile workstation of claim 2 wherein the guide has a non-polygonal shape and a narrowing taper from the open end toward the blind end, and wherein the housing of the removable battery assembly comprises a complementary non-polygonal shape and a narrowing taper matched to the narrowing taper of the guide.
 4. The mobile workstation of claim 3 wherein the guide comprises a key configured to orient the housing of the battery assembly for docking with the docking station.
 5. The mobile workstation of claim 4 wherein the key comprises an involute flute, and wherein the housing of the battery assembly comprises an exvolute flute configured to engage with the involute flute during docking the battery assembly with the docking station.
 6. The mobile workstation of claim 4 wherein the docking station comprises a first electrical connector located at the blind end of the holster, and wherein the housing of the battery assembly includes a second electrical connector located at one end of the housing and configured to mate with the first electrical connector when the battery assembly is engaged in the guide.
 7. The mobile workstation of claim 6 wherein the housing of the removable battery assembly includes a handle, and wherein the removable battery assembly includes a sensor configured to detect user interaction with the handle.
 8. The mobile workstation of claim 7 wherein the power system further comprises a power interface having a first input interface electrically connected with the docking station, a second input interface electrically connected with a back-up battery and an output interface electrically connected with the power bus.
 9. The mobile workstation of claim 8 wherein the power system further comprises a microprocessor coupled with the sensor and configured to switch the power interface from a first power sourcing mode receiving power via the first input interface to a second power sourcing mode receiving power via the second input interface, responsive to detecting user interaction with a removable battery assembly docked with the docking station.
 10. The mobile workstation of claim 9 wherein the power system further comprises a first display resident on the battery assembly and configured to display a charge state of the battery, and a second display which is not resident on the battery assembly, the second display having a first display mode for displaying a charge state of a battery of the removable battery assembly when the power interface is in the first power sourcing mode, and a second display mode different from the first display mode.
 11. The power system of claim 10 wherein the second display mode comprises a timing mode, and wherein the microprocessor is configured to switch the second display from the first display mode to the second display mode responsive to detecting user interaction with the removable battery.
 12. A method of using a mobile workstation having a wheeled base, a frame coupled with the wheeled base and a computerized device mounted to the frame, the method comprising the steps of: powering the computerized device of the mobile workstation with a removable battery assembly docked with a battery docking station of a power system resident on the mobile workstation; decoupling the removable battery assembly from the battery docking station; docking a substitute battery assembly with the battery docking station, including engaging the substitute battery assembly in a guide defined by a holster of the battery docking station at a location between the wheeled base and the computerized device; and powering the computerized device of the mobile workstation with the substitute battery assembly.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of docking the substitute battery assembly with the battery docking station includes engaging the substitute battery assembly in the guide at least in part via the force of gravity.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the decoupling step includes electrically disconnecting the removable battery assembly from the power system at a first time, and wherein the docking step includes electrically connecting the substitute battery assembly with the power system at a second time, the method further comprising a step of powering the computerized device from a back-up battery resident on the mobile workstation between the first time and the second time.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising a step of detecting user interaction with the removable battery assembly prior to completing the step of decoupling the removable battery assembly.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising a step of switching a power interface of the power system from a first power sourcing mode receiving power from the removable battery assembly to a second power sourcing mode receiving power from the back-up battery, responsive to detecting user interaction with the removable battery assembly.
 17. A power system for a mobile workstation comprising: a power bus and a battery docking station configured to mount to a frame of the mobile workstation, electrically connected with the power bus; the battery docking station further including a holster having an open end and an opposite blind end, and defining a guide extending from the open end to the blind end which includes a shape and an internal contour; a removable battery assembly configured to dock with the battery docking station via engagement in the guide, and including a housing having a shape which is complementary to the shape of the guide and an external contour configured to mate with the internal contour of the guide; and a detector configured to detect user interaction with the removable battery assembly.
 18. The power system of claim 17 wherein the detector comprises a sensor resident on the removable battery assembly.
 19. The power system of claim 18 wherein the housing includes a handle, and wherein the sensor comprises a proximity sensor configured to sense user interaction with the handle. 